Comprehensive Evaluation of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Control Groups Including Lyme Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Healthy Volunteers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether the Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, remain alive in patients after antibiotic treatment and whether this persistence causes ongoing symptoms. The study aims to better define diagnostic criteria for Lyme disease and support the development of future treatment trials by following a well-characterized group of patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome PTLDS and various control groups. Participants include those with chronic Lyme disease, Lyme arthritis, multiple sclerosis, previous Lyme infection with full recovery, seropositive individuals without symptoms, and healthy volunteers. Participants undergo physical exams and tests including blood tests, white blood cell collection or blood draw, lumbar puncture, brain MRI, neuropsychological assessments, and sometimes hearing tests and urine collection. Those testing positive for the bacteria are monitored every 3 to 6 months and may receive antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone, followed by scheduled follow-ups with repeated tests and imaging to evaluate treatment response. Throughout the study, participants are regularly assessed with clinical exams, imaging, laboratory tests, and questionnaires to understand disease progression and immune response. The research team collects data on biological markers, develops new diagnostic tests, and monitors symptoms and treatment outcomes over time. Participants may be reevaluated at intervals of 6 to 12 months, contributing to a detailed database to guide future Lyme disease research and therapies.

A Comprehensive Clinical, Microbiological and Immunological Assessment of Patients With Suspected Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Selected Control Populations